664 days ago

Toxic algae - Waikanae River at high risk status

The Team from Kāpiti Coast District Council

‼️ TOXIC ALGAE – HIGH RISK‼️
🔴 red alert - avoid swimming at Waikanae River Jim Cooke Park site
🟠 amber alert - caution advised at Otaki River SH1 site

Unlike the rest of the country, we’ve received very little rain over the last couple of weeks. Unfortunately, this means toxic algae levels have continued to increase in the Waikanae River at our Jim Cooke Park site which has now been upgraded to a red alert/high risk status. Swimmers and people with dogs are strongly advised to avoid the Waikanae River along the reaches of the Jim Cooke Park.

A caution remains in place at the Ōtaki River site near the Old Stage Highway 1 bridge.

Toxic algae can make people sick and can be fatal to dogs. These brown or black velvety mats grow on rocks in the riverbeds and come loose and wash up on riverbanks. Dogs love the musty smell and taste of toxic algae, so please keep them on leads away from the water and never let them scavenge at the river’s edge.

If you think your dog has swallowed toxic algae, take them to the nearest vet immediately.

If you’re feeling unwell after swimming at these sites, please see your doctor or ring Healthline 0800 611 116.

Check the LAWA website - www.lawa.org.nz... for the most up-to-date water quality results at your favourite swim spot.

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More messages from your neighbours
1 day ago

Poll: Do you think NZ should ban social media for youth?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The Australian Prime Minister has expressed plans to ban social media use for children.

This would make it illegal for under 16-year-olds to have accounts on platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X.
Social media platforms would be tasked with ensuring children have no access (under-age children and their parents wouldn’t be penalised for breaching the age limit)
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Do you think NZ should follow suit? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.

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Do you think NZ should ban social media for youth?
  • 84.6% Yes
    84.6% Complete
  • 13.9% No
    13.9% Complete
  • 1.5% Other - I'll share below
    1.5% Complete
736 votes
3 hours ago

What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.

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2 hours ago

Waikanae Arts and Crafts Society

Jocelyn from Waikanae

Spinning, Knitting and Crochet (SKC) Evening Group
It’s official! Crochet is back. For those who cannot come during the day, we have a spinning, knitting and crochet group on Tuesday evenings between 7.30 and 9.00pm, 27a Elizabeth Street, Waikanae (across the railway line). The group are more than happy to help you get started. We also have an extensive library of patterns to get you on your way. Everyone welcome! Contact Judy Davis 027 453 5232.
See what WOW produced!